The Unexpected Noise-Maker Every Camper And Hiker Needs To Have With Them
When it comes to being outdoors, safety is paramount. Whether you're hitting up a nearby trail for a morning outside, embarking on a long-distance hike, or even gearing up to go on a weekend camping adventure, it's essential to make sure that you're prepared. Especially when there's a chance — and there's always a chance — that you might run into some unexpected mishaps.
Along with a well-stocked first aid kit, emergency contact information, and a good amount of water and food supplies, there's one more (unconventional) item that's been praised for its effectiveness in the great outdoors: an air horn. Compact, lightweight, and relatively affordable, portable air horns can reach up to 129 decibels — that's basically as loud as a jackhammer or rock concert — and are perfect for signaling for help.
As well as traveling through vast open areas, air horns are also capable of cutting through foliage and ambient nature sounds. This means that using one during an emergency will help you get someone's attention much easier than yelling — even if they're a good couple of miles away.
Ready to make some noise?
All things considered, an air horn isn't just a safety tool — it can be a potential lifesaver outdoors. Consider this scenario: you're walking along the trail, minding your own business, when a bear suddenly crosses your path. Sure, your first reaction might be to panic and freeze in place. An air horn, however, can make this situation a lot more manageable. The loud, abrupt noise is often enough to startle and scare away bears during an encounter — making it an effective first line of defense.
Alternatively, air horns can also be a great tool to call for help even when bears aren't involved. This includes instances where you're lost and can't find your way back to the trail, any time you might have hurt yourself during a hike, or even if you're in the midst of unexpected severe weather. Simply grab your horn, blow three times in a row, and other hikers nearby will recognize this as a sign that someone needs help.
Ultimately, having an air horn handy means you don't have to worry about being unheard or stranded — instead, you can rest assured that you'll have a little something extra if bad luck ever strikes.